After pullout from Lebanon, one and half million unemployed in Syria
by Jihad Issa
In an emergency meeting in Damascus representatives of the Syrian and Lebanese governments discuss how to reintegrate the 'new unemployed'.

Damascus (AsiaNews) – After Lebanese Minister of Labour and Agriculture Tarrad Humaydi met Syrian Minister of Social Affairs Diala Hajj at the Ministry's offices in Damascus, it was revealed that Syrian troop pullout from Lebanon created one and half million unemployed.

During Syria's occupation of Lebanon, many Syrians went to Lebanon work without work and residence permits.

The two discussed their plight and how to best regularise their status and stay in the country.

Mr Humaydi, who represents Hezbollah (God's Party) in the Lebanese cabinet, said Syrian labourers have made a great contribution in tourism and agriculture and urged the two governments to solve the issue to mutual satisfaction as soon as possible.

The issue of Lebanese labourers in Syria, who are also undocumented, was also discussed.